Infertility can be a heavy topic, often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. When browsing articles on this subject, we often remind ourselves: “Don’t read the comments.” They can be filled with insensitive, cringe-worthy remarks rooted in ignorance. To help clarify some of these misconceptions, let’s dive into the eight most common misunderstandings about infertility.
1. Just relax, and it will happen.
While we appreciate the sentiment, telling someone to relax about their infertility is like telling someone with a broken leg to just walk it off. Stress can impact a fertile person’s cycle, but infertility is often caused by medical conditions like low sperm count or endometriosis. Simply relaxing won’t fix underlying health issues.
2. Why not just adopt?
Many people suggest adoption as an easy fix, but the reality is much more complex. Couples dealing with infertility often go through a grieving process for their imagined biological child. Furthermore, adoption can be fraught with emotional challenges and is not as straightforward as it seems. The process can involve numerous hurdles, from legalities to emotional readiness. And just because there are kids in need doesn’t mean everyone is equipped to adopt, regardless of their fertility status.
3. If you adopt, pregnancy will follow.
While some may have heard heartwarming stories of couples who adopt and then conceive, these cases are the exception, not the rule. Many more couples adopt without experiencing subsequent pregnancies. Such anecdotes can be misleading and create false hope.
4. The world is overpopulated, so why pursue treatment?
This argument often comes from those who have children themselves. If overpopulation is truly an issue, shouldn’t we all be less focused on having kids? Attacking those facing infertility while ignoring the bigger picture is unproductive. Advocating for better family planning and education in impoverished areas might be a more effective approach.
5. Having kids is a choice, so why should I pay for your treatments?
This argument often surfaces in health insurance discussions. The reality is that only a tiny portion of premiums goes to infertility coverage, especially compared to other health concerns. If having children is a choice, then why should insurance cover pregnancy or childhood illnesses? Reproductive health is a valid medical concern, deserving of coverage just like any other health issue.
6. Maybe those who are infertile weren’t meant to have kids.
This sentiment can be particularly hurtful. Just because someone faces infertility doesn’t mean they should accept it as fate. Medical advancements exist to help those with health issues, and infertility is no different. It’s a medical condition, and those affected deserve treatment just like anyone else with a health problem.
7. Infertile individuals are selfish and can’t be happy for those with kids.
It’s a common misconception that people struggling with infertility are bitter or jealous. While they may need distance from pregnant friends to cope, it’s not a reflection of their feelings towards others. Infertility can bring about intense emotional struggles, and it’s crucial to approach these situations with empathy.
8. Those who go to great lengths for kids are treating babies like commodities.
This perspective fails to recognize the depth of emotion and longing behind infertility treatments. Couples undergoing treatment are filled with love and hope, often investing significant time and money to welcome a child into their lives. A child conceived through these methods is cherished just as much, if not more, than any other child.
Understanding these misconceptions can help foster compassion and support for those experiencing infertility. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Facts About Fertility, and for more insight into home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, infertility is a complex and emotionally charged issue that often leads to misunderstanding. By addressing these common misconceptions, we can create a more supportive environment for those affected.